Tune in for grounded, step-by-step guidance on finding work that aligns with your real strengths and authentic interests, while exploring the deeper inner journey of self-discovery.
We're not just here to figure out what to do, but also who we are.
Our career is a mirror: the world we see outside reflects the world within.
Website: www.jessnessrequired.com (https://www.jessnessrequired.com/)
Instagram: @ (https://www.instagram.com/hellojessness/)hellojessness (https://www.instagram.com/hellojessness/)
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jsmith161/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jsmith161/)
23 | How to Start Writing a Book: From Idea to First Draft
You've always known you want to write a book.
Do you have a book idea burning a hole in your soul?
Do you want to bring your book idea to life, but you're not sure where to start?
This episode is for you!
Tune in as I share my personal insights on my process for writing my books. From the gestation phase to organizing ideas to writing your first draft. You'll enjoy this if you are an aspiring author or anyone curious about the creative process behind book writing.
Highlights:
The gestation phase of writing a book
How to organize ideas and themes
Creating a flushed outline for clarity
The importance of keeping the first draft private
Tools and systems for capturing ideas
The role of self-discovery in writing
Balancing routine and spontaneity in creativity
The iterative process of outlining and drafting
Insights from my personal writing journey
My fav writing books:
On Writing by Stephan King - https://amzn.to/3JmX0Lz (https://amzn.to/3JmX0Lz)
Writing Down the Bones - https://amzn.to/3HiZk3w (https://amzn.to/3HiZk3w)
The War of Art - https://amzn.to/3yDnrGg (https://amzn.to/3yDnrGg)
My books, Journals and Publications:
Thank You for Dumping Me: A Memoir, Self-Discovery Guide, and Novel - https://amzn.to/4anyh57 (https://amzn.to/4anyh57)
YOUR TWENTIES: No one ever teaches you how to grow up, ya know? - https://amzn.to/40nQoU3 (https://amzn.to/40nQoU3)
Self-Discovery Journal - https://amzn.to/4cCdX3f (https://amzn.to/4cCdX3f)
MOMHOOD, Publication on Substack - https://gazay.substack.com/ (https://gazay.substack.com/)
This episode is brought to you by MOMHOOD, on substack. Exploring the vast ways birthing someone, births you. Tune in: https://gazay.substack.com/ (https://gazay.substack.com/)
21 Sept 2026
22 | Hey Manager! Your Employee Just Had a Baby. Now What?
We're continuing the maternity leave / workplace fun with today's episode where I share practical tips and compassionate strategies for managers on how they can support employees returning from maternity leave.
When managers and company's support women returning to work, they won't just have a dedicated worker but a loyal employee for life.
BE NICE TO MOMS. By the time they get to work they've already done 82 things.
If you are a working mom, come hang out on Substack: MOMHOOD: https://gazay.substack.com/ (https://gazay.substack.com/)
National Working Mother's Week is this week! (Sept 21 - 25): https://www.motheredmedia.com/national-working-motherhood-week (https://www.motheredmedia.com/national-working-motherhood-week)
My books:
Thank You for Dumping Me: A Memoir, Self-Discovery Guide, and Novel - https://amzn.to/4anyh57 (https://amzn.to/4anyh57)
YOUR TWENTIES: No one ever teaches you how to grow up, ya know? - https://amzn.to/40nQoU3 (https://amzn.to/40nQoU3)
This episode is brought to you by MOMHOOD, on substack. Exploring the vast ways birthing someone, births you. Tune in: https://gazay.substack.com/ (https://gazay.substack.com/)
31 Aug 2026
21 | Return to Work Report Card: 2 Months Post-Maternity Leave
What up! In this episode, I share what I'm coining as my "work report card!" A new series where I share how the journey back to work after maternity leave is going.
Tune in to explore the emotional, physical, and environmental challenges I faced. Plus, my insights on the key areas that companies, managers, and coworkers forget about moms returning to the workplace.
If you are a mom returning to work, thinking about it, planning for it, or in the thick of it - I SEE YOU. YOU ARE NOT MISUNDERSTOOD HERE. And I am ROOTING FOR YOU w/ ALL MY HEART. Yes, all caps are necessary!
Highlights:
The emotional and physical impact of separation from your baby
Environmental changes and discomfort in the workplace
Identity shifts and personal transformation post-maternity leave
The importance of support and understanding from colleagues and managers
Research on skills gained from motherhood that benefit work
The experience of feeling out of place and the time warp effect
The significance of community and shared experiences in motherhood
Episode sound bites:
Returning to work after maternity leave is an ongoing, evolving process.
Support from colleagues and managers is crucial for a smooth transition.
Motherhood brings significant identity shifts that are often unseen.
Physical separation from the child can be emotionally and physically taxing.
Research shows moms return with enhanced operational skills.
Sharing experiences helps reduce feelings of isolation and guilt.
Preparation, support, and understanding can ease the return process.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and overview of the return to work journey
01:54 The emotional and physical impact of separation from the child
04:10 Research on skills moms gain from maternity leave
06:04 Environmental challenges and discomfort in the workplace
07:56 Identity changes and personal transformation
09:46 Mom guilt, anxiety, and the pressure to perform
12:03 The experience of feeling out of place and the time warp effect
13:57 Strategies for managing the return and seeking support
16:13 The importance of community and shared experiences
18:05 Reflections on the journey and future outlook
If this interests you, come hang out on Substack: MOMHOOD: https://gazay.substack.com/ (https://gazay.substack.com/)
National Working Mother's Week, learn more and register (Sept 21 - 25): https://www.motheredmedia.com/national-working-motherhood-week (https://www.motheredmedia.com/national-working-motherhood-week)
My books:
Thank You for Dumping Me: A Memoir, Self-Discovery Guide, and Novel - https://amzn.to/4anyh57 (https://amzn.to/4anyh57)
YOUR TWENTIES: No one ever teaches you how to grow up, ya know? - https://amzn.to/40nQoU3 (https://amzn.to/40nQoU3)
This episode is brought to you by MOMHOOD, on substack. Exploring the vast ways birthing someone, births you. Tune in: https://gazay.substack.com/ (https://gazay.substack.com/)
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